Scintigraphy and ultrasonograhy of hepatic hemangioma

The clinical findings, radionuclide scintigrams, and ultrasonograms of hepatic hemangiomas are described for 11 patients. Scintigraphy frequently demonstrated a marginal or subcapsular location. The lesions were otherwise nonspecific in appearance and were indistinguishable from metastatic foci. Sonographically, hypoechoic, hyperechoic, and predominantly anechoic patterns were observed, not unlike those described for malignant foci. However, 7 hemangiomas had a central linear septum. Liver function tests were normal in all patients. Since percutaneous biopsy is hazardous and hepatic angiography usually diagnostic, the scintigraphic and ultrasonic appearances described may help in the selection of the appropriate investigative studies.